Truckers stage strike, bring operations at Mombasa Port to a standstill over illegal fees
The strike has brought operations at the port to a standstill, with no trucks moving in or out and no cargo being cleared.
Truck drivers at the Port of Mombasa on Thursday staged a strike in protest of the illegal imposition of fees ranging from Sh1,000 to Sh5,000 for arming the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS) seals, a service that is legally supposed to be free.
The Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LoDDCA), which advocates for truck drivers and transporters denounced the unethical practice of imposing unauthorised fees.
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They are now calling for an immediate halt to these charges and demanding accountability from Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) officials involved in the matter, citing significant delays and operational disruptions at the port.
"The Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LoDDCA) strongly condemns the ongoing exploitation of truck drivers and transporters through the illegal charging of Sh1,000 to Sh5,000 for the arming of the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS) seals a service that is legally FREE," said the Association.
LoDDCA's decision to strike came after the persistent exploitation of truckers, leading to unjust financial burdens, delays in port activities, and operational inefficiencies in the transport and logistics sector.
The illegal charges, combined with reports of stolen seals under the watch of the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), have further exacerbated frustrations within the sector.
Effective immediately, LoDDCA ordered that no trucks be allowed to enter the port, and no cargo be armed with the RECTS seal until the issue is resolved.
UPDATES!
— Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (@loddca) January 30, 2025
Current situation at the port of Mombasa. Drivers have striked against illegal payment of the RECTS seal, seals being stolen under KRA's watch and exorbitant fines by KRA. @africaupdates @KRA_Customs @KRACorporate @Kenya_Ports @CaptainOchenge @LarryMadowo @Mizani254 pic.twitter.com/cDRZdPJefF
The association has called for urgent action from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and relevant authorities to address the situation.
The association has also called for a public statement from KRA affirming that RECTS arming is a free service, along with immediate action against corrupt officers.
Additionally, LoDDCA has called for disciplinary action against personnel involved in the illegal practice along the Northern Corridor and for the establishment of a more transparent and efficient cargo clearance process to prevent further delays at the port.
The strike has brought operations at the port to a standstill, with no trucks moving in or out and no cargo being cleared.
LoDDCA has made it clear that the strike will continue until their demands are fully met, and they have called on all transport sector stakeholders to unite in the fight against corruption and exploitation.
"We call upon all transport stakeholders to remain united in the fight against corruption and exploitation within the sector," said LoDDCA.
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